Nearly everyone knows a firefighter. They’re our family, friends and co-workers. They respond to a stranger’s call for help without hesitation, and serve with pride and compassion.

They’re our community heroes. When a firefighter dies in the line of duty, an entire community grieves.

As dusk turned to dark during the first weekend of October, more than 30 iconic buildings and landmarks across the country glowed in respect to the fallen and their survivors for Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters. Participants include One World Trade Center in New York, the Prudential Tower in Boston, the Willis Tower in Chicago, LAX in Los Angeles, and the Bank of America Plaza in Dallas. This nationwide lighting was part of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, October 7 and 8, in Emmitsburg, Maryland and sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF).

It was 25 years ago that Congress established the NFFF as the only organization to honor all fallen firefighters – career, volunteer, wildland, military and contract – and offer support to their loved ones. The Foundation created Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters to recognize the 25th anniversary of the NFFF and the Memorial Weekend.

“We hope that this magnificent display of lights throughout the country will allow the survivors of the fallen to see that the nation is with them in spirit as they reflect on cherished times with their firefighters,” explained Chief Dennis Compton, Chairman of the Board of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

On Sunday, October 8, the lives of 75 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2016 and 20 firefighters who died in previous years were honored during the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. During the service, a bronze plaque bearing the names of the fallen were officially added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. These firefighters were also be remembered in a special Candlelight Service on Saturday, October 7.

For more information about the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, go to weekend.firehero.org. 

A firefighter who died in his sleep after a shift with Spokane County Fire District 8 last year was honored during the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service Sunday in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Charles Douglas Archer was among the 75 firefighters who died in 2016 and 20 firefighters who died in previous years to be honored during Sunday morning’s memorial service.
- PUB DATE: 10/8/2017 11:49:56 AM - SOURCE: KAYU-TV MyFox Spokane

Firefighters and volunteers from the Red Cross went door-to-door Saturday educating people about home fire safety as part of National Fire Safety Week. “We are going door to door with over 40 volunteers knocking on doors offering free home fire safety checks, we’ll check the smoke alarms. If they’re older than ten years, we’ll install free smoke alarms,” said Spokane Valley Community Risk Reduction Specialist Elysia Spencer.
- PUB DATE: 10/8/2017 3:06:56 AM - SOURCE: KAYU-TV MyFox Spokane

The Pierce County Sheriff's Department is interviewing two teens who may have been involved in starting a 10-acre brush fire in Graham on Friday. No arrests have been made, but the department is interviewing a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old. Strong winds stoked the fire and threatened a neighborhood near the 6300 block of 255th Street Court East, according to Pierce County Firefighters.
- PUB DATE: 10/7/2017 6:24:50 PM - SOURCE: KING-TV NBC 5